Does the NuvaRing help with acne?

Several birth control vaginal rings are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Annovera is available as one ring that you can use for up to a year. NuvaRing is replaced every month.

These are soft, plastic rings that are placed inside the vagina, and they release the hormones estrogen and progestin. This stops the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, preventing pregnancy. But NuvaRing may have other functions, such as affecting acne. 

Dermatologists may prescribe birth control pills off-label to treat hormonal acne, so you may wonder whether NuvaRing can have the same effect. Let’s look at what the research says, the benefits and side effects of NuvaRing, and other treatments for acne. 

NuvaRing and acne

NuvaRing contains the synthetic versions of estrogen and progesterone. The vaginal ring releases:

• 0.015 milligrams (mg) of ethinyl estradiol (the synthetic version of estrogen), per day
• 0.12 mg of etonogestrel (the synthetic version of progesterone or progestin), per day

The ring stays in the vagina for 21 days. Afterward, you remove it, wait 7 days, and then replace it with a new ring. 

NuvaRing works similarly to combined birth control pills by steadily releasing hormones to lower the production of testosterone and regulate hormonal levels. 

When you have your period, your hormone levels fluctuate, which can lead to breakouts and acne. Acne can happen due to low levels of estrogen and high levels of androgens like testosterone. 

Certain hormonal contraception methods, like combination pills, can help prevent and treat hormonal acne by regulating these hormone fluctuations. In fact, there are FDA-approved contraceptive pills to treat acne. These include Beyaz, Estrostep FE, Ortho Tri-cyclen, and Yaz.

NuvaRing may help prevent breakouts as the ring steadily releases hormones into your body. But the ring isn’t an approved treatment for acne, and research on its effect on acne is still limited.

Planned Parenthood says NuvaRing can help reduce acne. And an older 2013 study that compared skin patches, vaginal rings, and birth control pills found that ring users had less acne than people who took birth control pills. But a more recent 2023 study pointed out that vaginal rings could lead to side effects like acne. 

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Benefits

NuvaRing is 99% effective at preventing pregnancy. The vaginal ring has other benefits, such as preventing or reducing:

• bone thinning
• breast and ovarian cysts
• endometrial and ovarian cancers
• infection in the ovaries, uterine tubes, and uterus
• iron deficiency (anemia)
• premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Side effects

Some possible side effects of NuvaRing include:

• nausea 
• headaches
• sore breasts
• changes in your period
• light bleeding and spotting 
• increased vaginal wetness
• vaginal irritation

Acne treatments

Treatment for acne will depend on the severity of your acne. It can also be topical (or applied to the skin), oral, and sometimes surgical. Acne treatment includes:

• Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: creams that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinol 
• Antibiotics: doxycycline (Doryx), minocycline (Ximino), erythromycin (Erythrocin), and azithromycin (Zithromax)
• Other prescription medications: spironolactone (Aldactone) or isotretinoin (Absorica)
• Therapies: laser therapy, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid peels 
• Herbal remedies: barberry extract, tea tree oil, ayurvedic compounds

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Summary

NuvaRing is the brand name for one of the FDA-approved contraceptive vaginal rings. The ring is placed inside your vagina, and it releases estrogen and progestin. 

NuvaRing works in a similar way to combined birth control pills. It can help reduce and treat acne by lowering testosterone levels. Although some research suggests that the ring can help reduce and prevent acne, more studies are needed to establish this link. NuvaRing isn’t approved to treat acne.

Other contraceptives approved for treating acne are available. If you have acne, talk with your healthcare professional about the best treatment option for you.

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